Dry Snorkel

ABSTRACT

A snorkel adapter apparatus is disclosed. The snorkel adapter apparatus includes a snorkel tube, a float, a mouthpiece, and a single pivot point. These pieces combined together create a snorkel breathing apparatus that allows the user to submerge the snorkel in water and prevent water from entering the snorkel tube and mouthpiece. When the snorkel is submerged in water, the float rotates around a coupler attached to the pivot attachment point and closes the open end of the snorkel tube. The buoyancy of the float in the water causes it to rotate and seal the snorkel tube closed.

This is a continuation application of application Ser. No. 11/764,646filed Jun. 18, 2007. This application incorporates by referenceapplication Ser. No. 11/764,646 in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a breathing apparatus and,more particularly, to a dry snorkel that includes a pivot attachmentpoint and a float that seals the open end of the snorkel tube when thesnorkel is submerged under water.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The use of dry snorkels is well known in the prior art. Specifically,dry snorkels are used by divers to keep water from entering theirsnorkel tubes and mouthpieces. Water that enters the snorkel tube maycause divers to take on water which may lead to choking or obstructedbreathing while submerged. Additionally, when divers wish to submergeunder water to explore their surroundings, they want assurance thatwater will not enter their snorkel tubes. If water does enter thesnorkel tube and the diver is emerging from the water, he or she mustblow out the water. This can be difficult if the diver has beensubmerged for a very long period of time. Therefore, it is desirablethat a snorkel tube be designed to prohibit water from entering the airinlet end of a snorkel tube.

Additionally, a diver wants to prohibit water from entering the snorkeltube when waves are abundant. Therefore, it is desirous to utilize asnorkel design that allows the air inlet of the snorkel to remain openduring normal operation, but is sealed when the snorkel tube is engulfedby water.

Various techniques have been disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,815,751(Ferraro), 2,909,959 (Girden), 3,141,469 (Stradella), 3,166,083(Girden), 5,960,791 (Winefrodner et al), 6,994,085 (Shiue), 7,069,927(Pan), U.S. Patent Application No. 20040226557 (Shiue), and GreatBritain Pat. No. 457663 (Nicholson) to overcome the problems with waterentering the open end of a snorkel tube. However, these disclosuressuffer from one or more of the following disadvantages. First, none ofthese inventions include a float that pivots on a single point. Second,all of these designs are cumbersome and add to the weight and bulk ofthe snorkel gear. Third, none of these inventions are simple designsthat are easy and relatively inexpensive to manufacture.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a snorkel adapter apparatus thatprovides a diver the ability to prohibit water from entering a snorkeltube when submerged in water or engulfed by waves.

A snorkel adapter apparatus of the present invention comprises a float,a gasket seal, and a pivot attachment point for connecting to the airinlet of a snorkel tube. The snorkel tube has a first end that furthercomprises a mouth piece, and a second end that is in an open positionsuch that air passes through the snorkel tube when the snorkel tube isabove water. The float is coupled to the second end of the snorkel tubeat the pivot attachment point such that when the snorkel tube issubmerged in water, the float pivots on the pivot attachment point andseals the second end of the snorkel tube with the gasket seal.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a snorkel adapterapparatus that prohibits water from entering the snorkel tube whensubmerged under water.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a snorkelapparatus that includes a float attached to the snorkel tube by a pivotattachment point.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a snorkeladapter apparatus that prevents water from entering the snorkel tubewhen engulfed by water.

The novel features that are considered characteristic of the inventionare set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The inventionitself, however, both as to its structure and its operation togetherwith the additional object and advantages thereof will best beunderstood from the following description of the preferred embodiment ofthe dry snorkel when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.Unless specifically noted, it is intended that the words and phrases inthe specification and claims be given the ordinary and accustomedmeaning to those of ordinary skill in the applicable art or arts. If anyother meaning is intended, the specification will specifically statethat a special meaning is being applied to a word or phrase Likewise,the use of the words “function” or “means” in the Description ofPreferred Embodiments is not intended to indicate a desire to invoke thespecial provision of 35 U.S.C. §112, paragraph 6 to define theinvention. To the contrary, if the provisions o f 35 U.S.C. §112,paragraph 6 are sought to be invoked to define the invention(s), theclaims will specifically state the phrases “means for” or “step for” anda function, without also reciting in such phrases any structure,material, or act in support of the function.

Moreover, even if the provisions of 35 U.S.C. §112, paragraph 6 areinvoked to define the inventions, it is intended that the inventions notbe limited only to the specific structure, material or acts that aredescribed in the preferred embodiments, but in addition, include any andall structures, materials or acts that perform the claimed function,along with any and all known or later developed equivalent structures,materials, or acts for performing the claimed function.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows the gasket end view of the preferred embodiment of a float.

FIG. 2 shows the free end view of the preferred embodiment of the float.

FIG. 3 shows the curve of the back of the preferred embodiment of thefloat.

FIG. 4 shows an exploded view of the float and snorkel tube with thegasket seal in the middle.

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the invention with the float attachedto the snorkel tube and in a closed position.

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of the invention with the float attachedto the snorkel tube and in an open position.

FIG. 7 shows an alternate embodiment of the invention with the floatattached to the snorkel tube and in the open position.

FIG. 8 shows an alternate embodiment of the invention with the floatattached to the snorkel tube and in the closed position.

FIG. 9 shows an alternate embodiment of the float.

FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of theinvention with the float in a closed position and the mouthpiece.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A perspective view of a snorkel adapter apparatus 10 is shown in FIG.10. The preferred embodiment of the invention includes a snorkel tube100, a mouthpiece 200, a float 300, and a pivot attachment point 400.These components work together to create a snorkel adapter apparatus 10that closes when submerged in water to keep water from entering thesnorkel tube 100. The snorkel tube 100 comprises a first end 110 wherethe mouthpiece 200 is coupled to the snorkel tube 100, and a second end120 where the float 300 is coupled to the snorkel tube 100. When abovewater, the second end 120 of the snorkel tube 100 remains open to enablea diver to breathe through the mouthpiece 200. In the preferredembodiment, the snorkel tube 100 is curved 130 at the second end 120.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the float 300 is coupled to the snorkel tube100 via a pivot attachment point 400. In the preferred embodiment, thepivot attachment point 400 is located at the curve 130 of the second end120 of the snorkel tube 100. More specifically, the curve 130 at thesecond end 120 of the snorkel tube 100 forms an axis 150. The float 300is then rotatably coupled about the axis 150 of the curve 130 with acoupler 140. Preferably, the coupler 140 is a pin, screw, or any othercoupler that allows the float 300 to rotate about the axis 150. In thepreferred embodiment, the float 300 has a substantially similar curveshape 310 as the curve 130 of the second end 120 of the snorkel tube100. These curves 130 and 310 define the axis 150 upon which the float300 rotates.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention the snorkel tube 100 hastwo prongs 170 that project from the curve 130 of the snorkel tube 100.These two prongs 170 include holes 175 that form the axis 150 upon whichthe float 300 is rotatably coupled to the snorkel tube 100.Additionally, the float 300 comprises two legs 410 with holes 420 asseen in FIGS. 1-3. The holes 420 on the legs 410 of the float 300 fit onthe outside of the prongs 170 on the snorkel tube 100, and the holes 175and 420 in each line up and form the pivot attachment point 400 uponwhich the float 300 rotates. The coupler 140 fits through the four holes175 and 420 on each piece and allows the float 300 to rotate about theaxis 150. As stated above, the coupler 140 that attaches these piecescan be a pin, screw, or any other coupler that allows the float 300 torotate. In the preferred embodiment, the coupler 140 is a pin that ismade of plastic.

The float 300 may be in a closed position 340 as shown in FIG. 5 or anopen position 350 as shown in FIG. 6. When above water, the float 300opens so that air can enter the snorkel tube 100 and flow to the diverthrough the mouthpiece 200. When submerged under water or engulfed by awave, the float 300 rotates to the closed position 340 by rotating thecoupler 140 along the pivot attachment point 400 so that water isprevented from entering the snorkel tube 100 and the mouthpiece 200.

In the preferred embodiment, the float 300 is made of a material that isbuoyant in water, such as plastic, foam, or related material. In analternate embodiment, the float 300 can be made of a non-buoyantmaterial that creates an air chamber that acts as a float 300. When thefloat 300 is submerged in water or is engulfed by a wave, it rotatesupward to the closed position 340 on the coupler 140 attached to thepivot attachment point 400 because of its buoyancy. As seen in FIGS.1-3, the float 300 further comprises a free end 320 and a gasket end330. When the float 300 rotates to the closed position 340, the gasketend 330 comes into contact with the second end 120 of the snorkel tube100 that is open to the air. The gasket end 330 of the float 300 furthercomprises a gasket seal 360 that fits into the second end 120 of thesnorkel tube 100 and seals the second end 120 of the snorkel tube 100closed. The gasket seal 360 is made of a material such as rubber orplastic that will prevent water from entering the snorkel tube 100.

In the preferred embodiment, the gasket seal 360 shown in FIGS. 4 is inthe shape of a ring. It securely fits onto the gasket end 330 of thefloat 300 to prevent water from entering the snorkel tube 100.Preferably, the gasket seal 360 fits over a rounded protrusion 370 onthe gasket end 330 of the float 300. The protrusion 370 fits into thesecond end 120 of the snorkel tube 100 such that water is prohibitedfrom entering the snorkel tube 100, and allows the protrusion 370 toeasily release from the second end 120 of the snorkel tube 100 when thesnorkel tube 100 emerges from the water, and the float 300 rotates tothe open position 350. The gasket seal 360 aids in properly sealing theprotrusion 370 of the gasket end 330 to the second end 120 of thesnorkel tube 100 so that water does not enter the snorkel tube 100. Inan alternate embodiment not shown, the gasket seal 360 may be located onthe second end 120 of the snorkel tube 100. It functions the same aswhen it is attached to the gasket end 330 of the float 300.

The float 300 shown in FIGS. 1-4 shows the free end 320 and the gasketend 330 of the float 300 in several different views. FIGS. 1-3 showviews of the float 300 with the coupler 140 inserted through the holes420 in the legs 410 of the float 300. Also shown in FIG. 4 is the gasketseal 360 detached from the float 300. As seen in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, thefree end 320 of the float 300 is contoured so that when the float 300 isin the open position 350, the free end 320 fits against the snorkel tube100.

In an alternate embodiment, shown in FIGS. 7, 8, and 9, the float 300 isattached directly to the snorkel tube 100 via a coupler 140. Instead oftwo prongs 170 projecting from the curved part of the snorkel tube 100,the pivot attachment point 400 is directly on the snorkel tube 100. Thefloat 300 still rotates about the coupler 140 on the pivot attachmentpoint 400 to close the second end 120 of the snorkel tube 100. The shapeof the float 300, however, is slightly different in this alternateembodiment.

Here, the float 300 is curved and is substantially the shape of a halfcircle. The holes 420 and legs 410 of the float 300 are an integral partof the float 300. The free end 320 of the float 300 includes the legs410 and holes 420 through which the coupler 140 is inserted. The legs410 are a distance apart from each other such that they fit around thesnorkel tube 100. In this embodiment, the snorkel tube 100 includes ahole 180 drilled through at least one side so that the coupler 140 cancouple the float 300 to the snorkel tube 100.

Further, in this embodiment, the free end 320 of the float 300, when inthe open position 350, as shown in FIG. 7, rests against the second end120 of the snorkel tube 100. When in the closed position 340, as shownin FIG. 8, the gasket end 330 seals the second end 120 of the snorkeltube 100 to prevent water from entering. The gasket seal 360 fits ontothe float 300 the same way as in the preferred embodiment. The roundedprotrusion 370 on the gasket end 330 of the float 300 fits into thesecond end 120 of the snorkel tube 100. The gasket seal 360 fits aroundthe protrusion 370 and seals water out of the snorkel tube 100 andmouthpiece 200.

The preferred embodiment of the invention is described in theDescription of Preferred Embodiments. While these descriptions directlydescribe the one embodiment, it is understood that those skilled in theart may conceive modifications and/or variations to the specificembodiments shown and described herein. Any such modifications orvariations that fall within the purview of this description are intendedto be included therein as well. Unless specifically noted, it is theintention of the inventor that the words and phrases in thespecification and claims be given the ordinary and accustomed meaningsto those of ordinary skill in the applicable art(s). The foregoingdescription of a preferred embodiment and best mode of the inventionknown to the applicant at the time of filing the application has beenpresented and is intended for the purposes of illustration anddescription. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit theinvention to the precise form disclosed, and many modifications andvariations are possible in the light of the above teachings. Theembodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain theprinciples of the invention and its practical application and to enableothers skilled in the art to best utilize the invention in variousembodiments and with various modifications as are suited to theparticular use contemplated.

What is claimed is:
 1. A snorkel adapter apparatus for use with asnorkel tube comprising: a float wherein said float is coupled to an airinlet end of a snorkel tube at a pivot attachment point; and when saidfloat is submerged, said float rotates around said pivot attachmentpoint to a position wherein said float directly contacts the air inletend of said snorkel tube.
 2. The snorkel adapter apparatus of claim 1wherein a gasket is coupled to said float such that said gasket providesa seal between said float and the air inlet end of said snorkel tubewhen said float is submerged.
 3. The snorkel adapter apparatus of claim1 wherein a gasket is coupled to said air inlet end of said snorkel tubesuch that said gasket provides a seal between said float and the airinlet end of said snorkel tube when said float is submerged.
 4. Thesnorkel adapter apparatus of claim 1 wherein said float furthercomprises a free end such that when said float is in an open positionsaid free end of said float essentially surrounds an outer surface ofsaid snorkel tube.
 5. The snorkel adapter apparatus of claim 1 whereinsaid pivot attachment point is located at a curved end of said snorkeltube such that said curved end of said snorkel tube forms an axis thatdefines the location of said pivot attachment point.
 6. The snorkeladapter apparatus of claim 5 wherein said float is curved substantiallysimilar to said curved end of said snorkel tube.
 7. The snorkel adapterapparatus of claim 6 wherein said float further comprises a pair oflegs, said pair of legs further comprising a hole through each leg suchthat said float is coupled to said pivot attachment point through saidholes.
 8. The snorkel adapter apparatus of claim 1 wherein said float isrotatably coupled to the air inlet of said snorkel tube at said pivotattachment point with a pin.
 9. The snorkel adapter apparatus of claim 1wherein said float is made of a buoyant material.
 10. A snorkelapparatus comprising: a snorkel tube with a first end and a second endwherein said second end includes an airway; a float; wherein said floatis coupled to said second end of said snorkel tube at a pivot attachmentpoint; and when said snorkel tube is submerged, said float pivots aroundsaid pivot attachment point such that said float is moved to a positionwherein said float directly contacts the airway of said snorkel tube atits second end.
 11. The snorkel apparatus of claim 10 wherein a gasketis coupled to said float such that said gasket provides a seal betweensaid float and said airway when said float is submerged.
 12. Theapparatus of claim 10 wherein said float further comprises a free endsuch that when said float is in an open position said free end of saidfloat essentially surrounds an outer surface of said snorkel tube. 13.The snorkel apparatus of claim 10 wherein said second end of saidsnorkel tube is curved.
 14. The snorkel apparatus of claim 13 whereinsaid pivot attachment point is located at said curved second end of saidsnorkel tube such that said curve forms an axis that defines thelocation of said pivot attachment point.
 15. The snorkel apparatus ofclaim 14 wherein said float is curved substantially similar to saidcurved second end of said snorkel tube.
 16. The snorkel apparatus ofclaim 15 wherein said float further comprises a pair of legs, said pairof legs further comprising a hole through each leg such that said floatis coupled to said pivot attachment point through said holes.
 17. Thesnorkel apparatus of claim 10 wherein said float is rotatably coupled tosaid snorkel tube at said pivot attachment point with a pin.
 18. Thesnorkel apparatus of claim 10 wherein said float is made of a buoyantmaterial.
 19. A snorkel adapter apparatus for use with a snorkel tubecomprising: a float wherein said float is coupled to an air inlet end ofa snorkel tube at a pivot attachment point and said float furthercomprises a protrusion; and when said float is submerged, said floatrotates around said pivot attachment point to a position wherein saidprotrusion of said float directly contacts an airway of the air inletend of said snorkel tube.
 20. The snorkel adapter apparatus of claim 19wherein a gasket is coupled to said float such that said gasket providesa seal between said float and the air inlet end of said snorkel tubewhen said float is submerged.
 21. The snorkel adapter apparatus of claim19 wherein a gasket is coupled to said air inlet end of said snorkeltube such that said gasket provides a seal between said float and theair inlet end of said snorkel tube when said float is submerged.
 22. Thesnorkel adapter apparatus of claim 19 wherein said float furthercomprise a free end such that when said float is in an open positionsaid free end of said float essentially surrounds an outer surface ofsaid snorkel tube.
 23. The snorkel adapter apparatus of claim 19 whereinsaid pivot attachment point is located at a curved end of said snorkeltube such that said curved end of said snorkel tube forms an axis thatdefines the location of said pivot attachment point.
 24. The snorkeladapter apparatus of claim 23 wherein said float is curved substantiallysimilar to said curved end of said snorkel tube.
 25. The snorkel adapterapparatus of claim 24 wherein said float further comprises a pair oflegs, said pair of legs further comprising a hole through each leg suchthat said float is coupled to said pivot attachment point through saidholes.
 26. The snorkel adapter apparatus of claim 19 wherein said floatis rotatably coupled to the air inlet of said snorkel tube at said pivotattachment point with a pin.
 27. The snorkel adapter apparatus of claim19 wherein said float is made of a buoyant material.